In February of 2006, I went to the office of in the Kilkenny branch of Social and Family Services. I don't even remember why I'd gone there, but it had to have been important because I always treaded lightly around Irish officialdom. I'd been welcomed in, but did not officially belong.

Somebody had referred me to Mr. Blanchfield, and the matter had to do with screenprinting. Around that time I took a "starting your own business" class that was funded by the State due to the fact that I was on the dole.

Fearghal suggested that I stay on the dole for another year  ten and a half months  because then I would be elegible for back-to-work allowances, which I could use to further my business.